Tethered Hearts of Ice
.
No one argues with me.
I sit there for a long time.
Eventually, footsteps approach again.
I do not look up.
“Selene,” a voice says.
I recognize it.
I lift my head slowly.
Dorian stands in the doorway.
His suit is immaculate. His hair perfectly styled. He looks irritated. Not panicked. Not broken.
Late.
“You came,” I say. My voice sounds wrong. Hollow.
He exhales sharply. “I came as soon as I could.”
I look down at Rowen. Then back at Dorian.
“You missed it,” I say calmly.
He frowns. “Missed what?”
I laugh.
“Our son,” I say. “You missed our son.”
His eyes shift to the bed. To the stillness. To the quiet.
Something flickers across his face. Annoyance. Disbelief. Not grief.
“Selene,” he says. “What are you talking about.”
I stand up slowly, still holding Rowen.
“He waited for you,” I say. “He asked for you.”
Dorian rubs his temple. “This is not the time for dramatics.”
I stare at him.
“Say that again,” I say softly.
He sighs. “We will arrange the healers again tomorrow. Right now, I have people waiting.”
I feel something dangerous rise in my chest.
“Tomorrow,” I repeat. “Hmm. Okay.”
He steps close
r. Looks at Rowen more carefully now.
“Why is he not responding,” he asks.
I meet his eyes.
“Because he is dead,” I say.
Dorian freezes.
“What,” he says.
I take a step toward him.
“Say his name,” I tell him.
He hesitates. “Rowen.”
“Say it again,” I say.
“Rowen,” he repeats, irritated now.
I lift my chin.
“He died asking if he was good enough for you,” I say. “So tell me, Alpha Nightfall.”
My voice trembles for the first time.
“Was he.”